Hydrogen generator system

ABSTRACT

A hydrogen generator apparatus for a vehicle a reservoir for electrolyte, and electrolyte chamber, an electrolyte feed line to the electrolyte chamber, at least one pair of electrodes chamber, a conduit from the electrolyte chamber to the air line of the engine, the electrodes being vertically disposed in the electrolyte chamber and being between 0.125 and 0.2 inch apart; a voltage supply to the electrodes in response to adjustment to the throttle of the engine and being determined by a signal from the spark plug/injector signals of the engine, the amount of hydrogen (and oxygen) produced being controlled to prevent stoichiometric excess having regard to the requirement of the engine for the combination of fuel and the gases, and a supply of fresh air to the electrolytic chamber to dislodge hydrogen and oxygen clinging to the electrodes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hydrogen generator system for internal combustion engines, whether stationary, in vehicles or marine vessels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The addition of a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen to the air-intake or into a conduit leading to the air-intake, of an internal combustion engine is well known but to the Applicants' knowledge a truly successful system has not yet been devised and it is the main object of the present invention to provide a system which promises to increase the efficiency of an engine to a great degree—for example the system can result in the doubling of a vehicle's fuel mileage.

The closest prior art known to the Applicant is U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,801 which describes a unit having a reservoir for electrolyte leading to an electrolyte chamber with horizontal electrodes, the voltage supply to the electrodes being derived from an alternator and is modulated by means of a variable resistor operated by the throttle. A pump is provided to blow a pusher gas such as air or preferable exhaust gases to sweep hydrogen and oxygen from the electrodes surfaces.

The Applicant has made some major and some minor changes to this prior art with the result that exceptionally decreased fuel consumption has been achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The system will be described in connection with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. I illustrates a hydrogen generator assembly;

FIG. II illustrates a hydrogen generator assembly without a chamber;

FIG. III illustrates a hydrogen generator assembly in cut-away view;

FIG. IV is a block diagram illustration of the system;

FIG. V illustrates a controller assembly; and

FIG. VI illustrates an envelope logic control module.

THE INVENTION

According to the invention a hydrogen generator apparatus for a vehicle including a reservoir for electrolyte, and electrolyte chamber, an electrolyte feed line to the electrolyte chamber, at least one pair of electrodes in the electrolyte chamber, and a conduit from the electrolyte chamber to the air intake of the engine is characterized by the electrodes being vertically disposed in the electrolyte chamber, the electrodes being between 0.125 and 0.2 inch apart and preferably 0.185 inch, a voltage supply to the electrodes in response to adjustment to the throttle of the engine signal from injectors and being determined by a signal from the oil pressure sensor of the engine or similar signal showing that the engine is running, the amount of hydrogen (and oxygen) produced being controlled to prevent stoichiometric excess having regard to the requirement of the engine for the combination of fuel and the gases, and a supply of fresh air or exhaust gas to the electrolytic chamber to dislodge hydrogen and oxygen clinging to the electrodes.

The electrodes are preferably spot welded together on a simple angle header.

A reverse polarity is imposed on the electrodes. The period of polarity change may be of the order of three hours during driving, during which a cleaning cycle takes place for 2 to 10 minutes.

The positive signal from the oil pressure sensor or signal from the fuel injector coils allow the LCM to control the electrical current flow to the electrodes to a predetermined extent to avoid overproduction of hydrogen and oxygen which would otherwise have to be evacuated to atmosphere—which is a source of hazard. In addition any excess of the gases in the system can also lead to a hazardous situation.

In a refinement of the invention a single pump maybe provided which controls the flow of fresh air and electrolyte to the electrolyte chamber. This may be effected by the provision of a two-valve system ( one pre- and one post-pump).

The two valves and pump, together with a filter may be located in a separate assembly.

Whilst it is not necessary to provide constant electrolyte circulation, the one pump arrangement accomplishes three system functions during three modes of operation as follows:

The Hydrogen Generator Assembly (HGA)

Reference is made to Figure I, II and III, which is computer generator models of the HGA and Fig. IV is a block diagram of the Hydrogen Generator System (HGS).

Generate Mode:

The pump is activated and both valves are in their default de-energized position. Fresh air or pusher gas is brought in through Valve #2 and out via the manifold to serve as pusher gas. Since this is the mode that is used most often, the valves are designed so their solenoids are in their de-energized state to use as little electricity as possible.

Cleansing Mode:

The pump is activated and Valve #1 is de-energized. This opens the path to allow the pump to draw electrolyte from the bottom of the chamber. The electrolyte passes through Valve #1, the pump, energized Valve #2 and the filter and finally the manifold at the bottom of the chamber.

Rinse Cycle:

At the option of the operation, the ball valve in the drain output line from the bowl is opened and the operator turns the switch to rinse for 10 to 20 seconds to rinse the filter and the bottom of the chamber. The operator will usually have a container, collect the ejected water.

Drain Mode:

The pump is activated and both Valve #1 is energized and Valve #2 are ok as is. This opens the path to allow the pump to draw electrolyte from the bottom of the chamber. The electrolyte passes through energized Valve #1, the pump, energized Valve #2 and out through the drain hose. Since the operator has commanded the system to drain, upon sensing a low level in the chamber, a logic control module (LCM) will instruct the reservoir pump to activate as well. This process will continue until the operator returns the drain button or both reservoir and chamber are empty at which time the pumps will de-activate and the valve will de-energize automatically.

The system of the invention may be incorporated into a compact unit which is easy to assemble and install.

A manifold assembly may be provided to disperse the air/pusher gas over a maximum area of the electrodes.

The logic control module is provided to monitor and control all functions of the system by means of sensors and commands, and is programmed to handle the majority of tasks automatically and to disallow tasks that may cause problems such as temperature, electrolyte level and oil pressure are as predetermined. Other parameters such as clock and memory systems may be incorporated to schedule events such as polarity changes, electrolyte purification and others.

Components & Criteria

The hydrogen generator system consists of the following 4 main sub-assemblies, and support components, as generally depicted in Figure IV:

-   -   Hydrogen Generator Assembly (HGA)     -   Logic Control Module (LCM)     -   Control Valve Assembly (CVA)     -   Reservoir Assembly     -   Instrument & Control Panel (I&CP)     -   Potentiometer     -   Connection to Engine Control Circuit     -   Harness Assembly (7)     -   Hoses

The components shall be designed for mass production. Each HGA series and associated components shall be designed and sized for specific vehicle models and installation. Brief descriptions of each component in the major sub-assemblies are:

Hydrogen Generator Assembly (HGA)

-   -   The Housing is made from injection molded, high strength         plastic. It provides for indexing and proper location for the         electrode assemblies and a complete seal between housing and         cover to prevent any leakage of hydrogen gas. The housing serves         as the container for the electrolyte.     -   The Cover is also made from injection molded, high strength         plastic. It provides for the mounting of the Electrode Assembly         by the 2 electrode studs (+) and (−) to the electrode assembly         and access hole for mounting the level sensor for the chamber.     -   The Electrode Assembly is made up from stainless steel electrode         blades (typically 20), spot welded together on a stainless steel         header. A terminal stud is welded to the header to transfer the         current to the electrode blades. Two electrodes (20 plates) are         assembled together with plastic spacers and pins to make up the         complete electrode assembly.     -   The Manifold Assembly is manufactured and spot welded together         from stainless steel sheets and spacers. The top sheet is         equipped with a number of small holes, which direct air or         pusher gas up between the electrode blades and move the attached         hydrogen & oxygen bubbles from the electrode blades. The         manifold assembly has a tubular nipple to receive the pusher         gas. The manifold is attached to the electrode assembly by 4         screws to the lower spacers on both sides of the electrode         assembly.     -   The Level, Temperature Sensor is designed to send signals to the         LCM sensing:         -   a) The level of the electrolyte in the chamber.         -   b) The temperature of the electrolyte in the chamber.     -   The Heater Assembly is a Cal-rod type heater and is designed to         heat the electrolyte in the chamber and allow the LCM to control         the electrolyte temperature at pre-selected temperatures.

The Control Valve Assembly (CVA) is designed to house the pump assembly, 2 valve assemblies and a filter assembly. The control valve housing is made from injection molded, high strength materials. All the inter connecting porting between components are all achieved by internal drilled holes to minimize fittings and change for leakage.

-   -   The Pump Assembly is a screw type pump element driven by a 12V         motor, running at constant speed and delivering approximately 3@         PM at approximately 10 PSI. The screw is made of silicone bronze         material and produced as investment cast parts.     -   The Valve Assemblies are solenoid operated, 2 position and         powered by 12 volts. The controls of the solenoids by the LCM         are provided with a holding circuit so the solenoids draw very         little current when energized. The poppet in the valve is made         from rubber to provide positive seal in both positions.     -   The Filter Assembly is made from stainless steel with a 2 micron         porosity. The fluid is introduced into the filter in a rotating         motion. This spins out the solids against the filter walls. The         filter element is held in the control valve body by the filter         bowl, which is designed to collect the solids collected from the         electrolyte during the operation of the HGS.

The Logic Control Module (LCM) (see Figure VI) is a self-contained unit that regulates all logic, command and sensing signals between the HGA, potentiometer, oil pressure sensor, Instrument & Control Panel (I& CP) reservoir and Engine Control Circuits.

Its circuitry and components are housed in a cast aluminum body. The Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) with all its components is housed in this casting with a thin sheet metal cover. The aluminum housing is designed with multiple fins to provide the necessary cooling of the components and circuit of the LCM. The LCM control and distribute signals and power to all the components in the HGA. The main functions of the LCM are:

-   -   1. Control and distribute current to the electrodes. The current         may be set by the Micro Processor, varying from 0 amp to 50 AMP.     -   2. Change the polarity of the circuit for the current to the         electrodes. The time between changes is programmed by the M.C.         It is currently set to be 3 hours.     -   3. Program and set the functions for varying the current to the         electrodes as a function of the speed of the vehicle or RPM of         the engine.     -   4. Control/time the cleaning cycle of the water in the chamber         of the HGA.     -   5. Monitor the water level and temperature in the chamber of the         HGA.     -   6. Control the replenishing of water to the chamber of the HGA         from the Reservoir as the water is being depleted by the         production of hydrogen gas.     -   7. Monitor the water level and temperature in the Reservoir.     -   8. Take the command signals from the Controller (CA) to turn on         the LCM operations as well as the function to drain water from         the Chamber/Reservoir.     -   9. Provide signals for the (4) LED displays on the Controller to         display status of;         -   a) Current used by Electrode         -   b) Water Temperature in chamber         -   c) Water Level in chamber         -   d) Water Level in Reservoir.     -   The heavy current for the Electrode is controlled by a Field         Effect Transistor (FET) which utilizes Pulse Width Modulation         (PWM) to control the average power delivered to the electrode.         This component is the one that generates most of the heat within         the LCM.     -   The circuit is designed to provide polarity reversal of the         electrode current, utilizing 3 relays. These are used in lieu of         FET's in order to minimize the heat generated by the circuit and         the components.     -   The unique design of the PCBA and its housing allows the         electrode FET, the only component that generates significant         heat, to be mounted directly to the metal surface of the         aluminum housing. A small surface of the housing, sufficient for         the mounting of the FET, protrudes through the circuit board to         connect with the rear surface of the FET. This greatly improves         the heat exchange between the FET and the housing, negating the         need for a fan and forced air over the fins of the housing. The         component in the circuit of timing and polarity change is made         by a micro processor in the LCM. This is explained later.     -   The 2 valves, pump and filter are placed in a separate assembly.         This has resulted I the components of the HGA to be manufactured         very simple and cheaply.

The Controller Assembly (CA) shall be designed to fit in a convenient and ergonomically correct location on the dashboard. The panel shall be designed and styled for each vehicle type. The wire harness from the panel to the LCM shall be drawn through a small hole in the firewall if possible. The features on the CA are as follows:

-   -   System “ON/OFF” switch: The operator uses this switch to manage         the production of Hydrogen.     -   Function “Auto/Drain” button: The operator uses this button to         enable the drain function. The operator leaves this button in         the “Auto” mode until the “drain” function is required.     -   Four color—coded rows of display lights are mounted flush to the         CA. The operator can monitor, at a glance, the following:         -   Electro Current Level (Amps)         -   Electrolyte level—Chamber         -   Electrolyte level—Reservoir         -   Electrolyte temperature—Chamber

The Reservoir Assembly (RA) is a 3 gallon tank holding the reserve water required for approximately 1,500 miles of travel. The RA consists of the plastic tank, a level/temperature sensor and a pump assembly. The pump delivers the desired amount of water as necessary to the HGA to maintain the appropriate level of water for efficient operation of the electrodes. The level Sensor and the Pump Assembly are identical to those used with-in the CVA. These components are controlled by the LCM and monitored by its micro controller.

The Cables: there are 7 cables with connectors that connect all the major components of the HGS on the truck/vehicle. Three of the cables go from the LCM to HGA, the CVA and RA. One cable goes from LCM to the battery and 2 cables go from LCM to the electrical system of the vehicle.

The cables are built with water tight connectors and cables and wires approved by the automotive industry.

The Hoses shall be automotive grade rubber and will be used as follows:

-   -   To conduit the electrolyte from the reservoir to the chamber     -   To conduit the electrolyte from the drain plug to the ground     -   To conduit the electrolyte from the bottom of the chamber to         Valve #1     -   To conduit the generated gas mixture from the HGA to the         vehicle's air intake apparatus

General Description of Operation

The typical operation and functions of the HGS and it's various components are envisioned to be as follows, commencing with the first HGS start-up:

-   -   With the vehicle's engine not running and the System switch in         the “Off” position (and the Function button in the “Auto”         position) the operator fills the reservoir with clean tap water         or electrolyte. The operator then turns the System switch “On”.         The LCM reads the signal from the chamber's level sensor and         commands the reservoir pump to transfer electrolyte to the         chamber. Even thought the System switch is turned “On”, the HGA         will not try to produce Hydrogen with an empty chamber since the         vehicle's engine is not running. The level sensor in the chamber         will signal the LCM to automatically turn off the reservoir pump         when the chamber is full. The operator then refills the         reservoir with electrolyte. As good practice, the operator         should refill the reservoir each time the gasoline tank is         filled.         -   NOTE: the level sensor in the chamber signals the LCM to             command the reservoir pump to turn ON and refill the chamber             whenever the electrolyte level in the chamber is low (and             the System switch is “On”).         -   The HGS is now ready to produce Hydrogen (as soon as the             engine is running).     -   With the System switch “On” and the Function button on “Auto”,         the operator starts the vehicle and steps on the throttle. The         oil pressure sensor reads positive pressure or similar circuit         indicate engine is running and commands the LCM to deliver         current to the Electrode Assemblies in direct proportion to the         throttle position (according to signals from the engine         circuits) thus generating Hydrogen and Oxygen. Simultaneously,         the LCM activates the valve for pusher gas circulation in the         HGA.     -   The circulating pusher gas travels through the manifold and is         directed upward through the Electrode Assemblies dislodging the         Hydrogen bubbles that have collected on the electrodes. At the         top of the chamber, the gas mixture collects and is delivered         through a large conduit directly into the air stream of the         carburetor or turbo in case of diesel engines. Hydrogen is not         stored anywhere in the system.     -   During operation, the operator will be provided, via the display         on the dashboard, constant/real-time monitoring of the         Electrolyte levels in the reservoir and chamber, the temperature         of the electrolyte in the chamber and the current flowing to the         electrode.         -   When refilling the reservoir with electrolyte it is             important to make sure that the electrolyte is clean and             without any impurities.         -   When parking or storing the vehicle in cold weather (below             freezing) for long periods of time, the operator would be             advised to drain the electrolyte from the chamber and the             reservoir. To drain the electrolyte, you first ensure that             they System switch (on the CA) is “Off” and then turn the             Function button to “Drain”. The electrolyte will be pumped             from the chamber onto the ground or into a container. When             the chamber's level sensor senses the low level, the LCM             will read the signal and command the reservoir's pump to             transfer electrolyte to the chamber. This will continue             until both the reservoir and the chamber are empty. To drain             the system in cold climates is not extraordinary, but just             one more in a series of precautions that must be taken for             any vehicle that is left in cold weather.         -   NOTE: When dumping the electrolyte from the system, it may             be collected and reused. It is to be dumped on the ground,             make sure that the vehicle is parked in a place where the             electrolyte will run off without doing any damage.

Annexed hereto as Appendix A are road test data using the HGA of the invention on a Ford F350 van.

A block diagram of the HGA follows this Appendix A.

A logic control scheme for the CVA is annexed after the block diagram. 

1. A hydrogen generator apparatus for a vehicle including a reservoir for electrolyte, and electrolyte chamber, an electrolyte feed line to the electrolyte chamber, at least one pair of electrodes chamber, a conduit from the electrolyte chamber to the air line of the engine, the electrodes being vertically disposed in the electrolyte chamber and being between 0.125 and 0.2 inch apart; a voltage supply to the electrodes in response to adjustment to the throttle of the engine and being determined by a signal from the spark plug/injector signals of the engine, the amount of hydrogen (and oxygen) produced being controlled to prevent stoichiometric excess having regard to the requirement of the engine for the combination of fuel and the gases, and a supply of fresh air to the electrolytic chamber to dislodge hydrogen and oxygen clinging to the electrodes.
 2. A hydrogen generator apparatus according to claim 1 in which the electrodes are 0.185 inch apart.
 3. A hydrogen generator apparatus according to claim 1 in which the electrodes are spot welded together on an angle header.
 4. A hydrogen generator apparatus according to claim 1 in which a reverse polarity is imposed on the electrodes.
 5. A hydrogen generator apparatus according to claim 4 in which the period of polarity change is of the order of three hours during driving.
 6. A hydrogen generator apparatus according to claim 4 including a cleaning cycle for 10 minutes.
 7. A hydrogen generator apparatus according to claim 1 in which the positive signal from the oil pressure sensor controls the electrical current flow to the electrodes to a predetermined extent to avoid overproduction of hydrogen and oxygen.
 8. A hydrogen generator apparatus according to claim 1 in which a single pump is provided which controls the flow of fresh air and electrolyte to the electrolyte chamber.
 9. A hydrogen generator apparatus according to claim 8 including the provision of a two-valve system (one pre- and one post-filter).
 10. A hydrogen generator apparatus according to claim 9 in which the two valves and pump, together with a filter are located in a separate assembly. 